Private Tours of South Korea & Taiwan

Foreign nationals entering South Korea are required to have a valid passport and a Korean visa issued by the Korean Embassy or consular offices in their country. However, citizens from many countries, including U.S. and Canada, are now permitted visa-free entry for a limited period under certain conditions. In order to check whether you are allowed to enter Korea without a visa issuance and for other requirements, please visit the Korea Visa & Immigration Website. 

New Year’s Day – Jan 1st
Seollal – January/ February
Independence Movement Day – Mar 1st
Arbor Day – Apr 5th
Buddha’s Birthday – April – May
Labor Day – May 1st
Children’s Day – May 5th
Memorial Day – Jun 6th
Constitution Day – Jul 17th
Liberation Day Aug 15th
Chuseok September/ October
National Foundation Day – Oct 3rd
Christmas Dec 25th

All non-Koreans leaving by air must pay a W28,000 departure tax and W10,000 for transference. The departure tax for international passengers is included in the ticket price.

On Domestic flights, passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated allowances, and these charges are your responsibility.  At most major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually for a small additional fee.

On board luggage is limited at the sum of three dimensions of 115cm in total and weighting under 26.4 pounds.

South Korea’s climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation’s mountains and fields during this time. Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year.  Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea. Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes favorable skiing conditions.

From mid-March through late-May, and mid-September through mid-November you can wear long sleeved shirts and slacks plus possibly a cardigan or a jacket. During summer, June through August, short sleeved shirts and shorts would be a good idea. Late November through early March you must be prepared for the cold. A scarf and gloves are recommended for January and February, and remember that it snows at higher elevations in Korea.

International Direct Dialing is available in all hotels.  The country code for South Korea is (82).

Korea’s major airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju International Airports, have roaming centers, operated by local network service providers. Visitors can get their mobile devices connected for roaming here after a simple registration process. In addition to roaming services, SIM Card purchase, Wi-Fi egg rentals (Pocket wi-fi) and even smart phone rentals are available. 

Wifi is available at hotels featured in our Korea tour packages, although a fee may apply. As Korea is the world’s most wired country, Internet service is offered in public places such as airports, train stations and bus terminals in Korea. PC bangs and internet cafes are also handy places to get internet service and easy to fine throughout the country. Many PC bangs are open 24-hours and some have snack bars with beverages, noodles, other snacks available.

Postal Service: Korea Post is fast, reliable and reasonably priced. 

The Korean currency consists of a ten thousand, five thousand, and one thousand won note, and five hundred, one hundred, fifty and ten won coin. Recently, a dollar exchanges for about 1,200 won. Exchange rates may change at any time according to the market conditions. When you need to exchange your foreign currency into Korean won, visit a bank, exchange service center, or an authorized exchange. ATMs are available throughout South Korea. 

Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and others are used at hotels, department stores, large restaurants, and stores.

A written baggage declaration must be submitted to a customs officer upon entry. Passengers must clear customs through either green, white, or red channel. Passengers who have no articles to declare should use the green channel. If a passenger declares non-duty-free articles voluntarily, the declared amount will be accepted and the clearance procedure will be expedited.

Voltage in Korea is 220 volts, but most portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers do not require a electrical converter.

Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs. Hotels featured in our South Korea tour packages provide hair dryers and as well other amenities expected in 4 and 5-star hotels. 

Water is untreated and NOT safe to drink, but bottled mineral water is for sale everywhere and we recommend that you use bottled water for drinking.

No vaccinations required for entering Korea from anywhere around the world. For the most up-to-date information and advisories, please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website.

There are many hospitals where some English are spoken in Korea. International clinics at large general hospitals like Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center or Samsung Medical Center are recommended.

Sometimes, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels may add a service charge of 10%. Thus, you do not necessarily have to prepare for extra charges since it will be included in the bill. Most goods and services in South

Korea are subject to a standard value added tax of 10%. This will be included in the price so you don’t have to worry about being charged extra on top of the price quoted.

The vast majority of our Korea tours are private with airport transfers by private car and sightseeing via either public transportation (most tours in Seoul) or by private car (beyond Seoul). For airport transfers without guides, suggest tipping the driver about US$15 each way. For half day sightseeing via public transport, you may tip the guide between $10-$15 per person (based on 2 passengers). If there is a private car involved, you may tip the driver around US$10-12. Of course, you may adjust these tipping guidelines up or down depending on the level of service you received. 

Airport and Sightseeing transfers are included in our  Korea tours. Airport transfers are provided via private cars. In Seoul, most of our Korea vacation packages feature use of public transport when sightseeing in Seoul. This allows are travelers to fully immerse the local culture. Tours beyond Seoul are typically provided by private car. 

If you wish to explore Korea on your own, transportation in Korea is both safe and efficient. Korea’s public transportation system is very extensive and cheap, accessing almost every place imaginable.

Fast and reliable highway buses operate on expressways throughout the country, connecting almost all major points. However, be advised that English language schedules are not available. Various tour companies offer bus services to most of the well-known tourist sites for visitors who prefer not to use the intercity buses. 

Local buses are the most common means of transportation in Seoul. They are frequent, reliable, and inexpensive. Seoul’s bus network serves every part of the city.

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Korea, clean and safe. There are taxi stands in most busy city areas, and taxis can also be hailed on the streets. The fare system is based on both the distance and the time taken. 

Valid Passport. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your Medicines. Departure documents. Camera(s), portable electronic devices. Sunscreen. Pocket size Kleenex. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes.

U.S. citizens seeking entry as tourists or visitors are required to present a valid passport that will remain valid for the period of intended stay. You must also possess a confirmed return or onward air ticket. As a U.S. passport holder, you will be allowed to enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days if your passport is valid for more than 90 days. If your passport has less than 90 days of validity remaining, you will be able to enter Taiwan for a time equal to the expiration date of your passport. No extensions or changes of status are permitted. 

New Year’s Day – Jan 1st
Foundation Day of the ROC – Jan 1st
Chinese Lunar year (3 days) January/ February
Peace Memorial Day – Feb 28th
Tomb Sweeping Day – April
Dragon Boat Festival – June
Moon Festival – September
Double Tenth National Day – Oct 10th
Christmas Day – December 25th

The airport departure tax for Taipei is already included in ticket price.

On Domestic flights, passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated allowances, and these charges are your responsibility.  At most major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually for a small additional fee.

Taiwan is a year-round destination but the best time to visit is October-March. May-September can be rainy, humid and very hot. The island tends to be humid year-round and receives rainfall during all seasons. In the south, June and July are the hottest times; in the north, the coolest times are January and February. The typhoon season runs July-September. Take along a sweater or windbreaker for the evenings no matter when you visit.

Loose-fitting cotton clothing generally fits the bill. The exception is from mid-December to February, when the mercury might fall to a mild 10oC (50oF). But even in the summer, it pays to bring along a light sweater – air-conditioning in some restaurants and cinemas is often turned up high. Rain showers are possible during the rainy season, so also be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket.

Mobile phone is widely used in Taiwan.  International Direct Dialing is available in all hotels. Prepaid telephone/SIM cards are available in post offices, hotels and supermarkets for public phones. The country code for Taiwan is (886).

Wifi is widely available throughout as well as hotels included in your Taiwan vacation package, though charges may apply. 

Postage is inexpensive and the service is reliable. 

Taiwan’s unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$), which has five denominations in paper money and five in coins. Paper money comes in NT$2000, NT$1000, NT$500, NT$200, and NT$100 denominations. Coins come in NT$50, NT$20, NT$10, NT$5 and NT$1 denominations. The current exchange rate is approximately US $1 to NT$20 (April 2020).

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at government-designated banks and hotels. Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure.

Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted and traveler’s checks may be cashed at foreign-exchange banks, some tourist-oriented businesses, and (by room guests) most international tourist hotels. ATM’s are available throughout Taiwan.

According to related laws and regulations, the luggage of inbound and outbound passengers must come under customs supervision and control. Passengers should make accurate declarations to customs officials regarding the luggage they carry into or out of the territory. Please visit the General of Customs for more information.

Voltage in Taiwan is 110 volts. Electrical appliances may require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs to be compatible with your portable device.

Hotels featured in our Taiwan tour packages provide hair dryers and as well other amenities expected in 4 and 5-star hotels. 

Tap water is NOT safe to drink everywhere, especially in rural areas. We recommend you drink only bottled water. Mineral water including major imported brands can be easily obtained from super markets, convenience stores and other similar places.

There are no inoculations required for entering Taiwan from anywhere around the world. Medical systems and facilities in Taiwan are well established so that you can expect to receive a high standard medical treatment, should you have a problem with your health during your stay.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website. 

Tipping is not customary in most places in Taiwan. The one exception is tipping the bellmen when you check into a hotel. 

For your transfers and sightseeing included in your Taiwan tour package itinerary, we recommend tipping between $10-$15 per person per full day of service. This amount is to be split between the guide and driver at a 2:1 ration. You may, of course, adjust this amount up or down depending on the level of service you received. 

All airport and sightseeing transportation are included in our Taiwan tours. All ground transportation is provided by private car.

Transport systems in Taiwan are efficient, safe and affordable. Taxis and Rail service are two of the best ways to get around if you wish to explore on your own. Rail stations and maps are written in both Chinese and English and provide travelers a convenient way to travel from Taipei.   Buses, however, can be confusing as fare structure and system of payment differ, not to mention destination signs and bus schedules are all written in Chinese.

Valid Passport. Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your Medicines. Departure documents. Camera(s), portable electronic devices. Sunscreen. Pocket size Kleenex.  Folding Umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes.